Character Trait: Authentic

To engage your reader, it's important to always show not tell the traits of your characters. Authenticity is the quality of being true to oneself and honest with others. An authentic character is someone who is genuine and sincere in their actions and words. They don't pretend to be someone else or hide their true feelings and beliefs. Instead, they embrace their unique identity and express themselves in an honest and open way. An authentic character is often relatable and trustworthy, as they don't have any hidden agendas or ulterior motives.

Possible causes of being authentic

You might want to weave these into your character's back story to build a more believable character.

• They have a support system of friends and family who encourage them to be true to themselves.
• They prioritize honesty and integrity in their interactions with others and themselves.
• They are confident in their own skin and do not feel the need to conform to societal expectations or norms.
• They have a strong sense of self-awareness and are in touch with their true values and beliefs.
• They are comfortable with vulnerability and are not afraid to show their true emotions and feelings.
• They have had experiences in life that have forced them to confront their authenticity and have come out stronger on the other side.

For detailed feedback on authentic characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's fiction manuscript feedback.

Behaviors associated with being authentic

You may be able to show your character's trait of authentic by using these.

• Avoiding trying to impress or please others at the expense of being true to oneself
• Being open and vulnerable with others
• Respecting and valuing others' opinions and perspectives
• Being consistent in behavior and attitude across different situations and contexts
• Speaking honestly and truthfully, even if it's uncomfortable
• Admitting mistakes and taking responsibility for your actions
• Acting in a way that aligns with your values and beliefs

Attitudes associated with being authentic

You may be able to show authentic through their attitudes.

• Being true to oneself
• Expressing oneself genuinely and openly
• Willingness to take risks and be vulnerable
• Respecting others and their differences
• Confidence in one's own abilities and values
• Embracing imperfections and flaws
• Avoiding pretense or artificiality
• Refusing to conform to societal expectations
• Honesty and transparency

Thoughts and struggles associated with being authentic

Here are some ideas for things your authentic character may think or struggle with.

• A willingness to take risks and make sacrifices for their beliefs and values
• A tendency to question authority and challenge societal norms and expectations
• The struggle to balance their own needs and desires with the expectations of those around them
• The desire to be true to themselves and their beliefs, even if it means going against the norm
• The fear of losing their sense of self or identity in the face of external pressures or influences
• A deep sense of empathy and compassion for others, often leading to putting others' needs before their own
• A strong sense of integrity and honesty, even in difficult situations
• The fear of rejection or judgement from others for being different or unconventional

Emotions associated with being authentic

Here are some ideas for emotions your authentic character may experience.

• Non-judgmental
• Trustworthiness
• Transparency
• Integrity
• Honesty
• Vulnerability
• Sincerity
• Genuine
• Introspection
• Self-awareness
• Reliability
• Consistency
• Open-mindedness
• Realness

Facial expressions associated with being authentic

Here are some facial expressions your authentic character may exhibit.

• Relaxed facial muscles
• Minimal use of masks or façades
• Unforced and natural expressions
• Honest and open facial expressions
• Lack of tension in the face
• Sincere body language
• A genuine smile
• No need for pretense or posturing
• Eye contact

Body language associated with being authentic

Here is some body language your authentic character may exhibit.

• Direct eye contact
• Open and expressive facial expressions
• Ability to admit mistakes and take responsibility
• Willingness to listen and understand others' perspectives
• Consistent behavior across different situations
• Steady and natural tone of voice
• Relaxed posture
• Minimal fidgeting or nervous tics
• Genuine smile

For detailed feedback on authentic characters and other aspects of your writing, try ProWritingAid's fiction manuscript feedback.

Behaviors associated with being authentic

Here are some behaviors your authentic character may exhibit.

• Being open and vulnerable with others
• Respecting and valuing others' opinions and perspectives
• Avoiding trying to impress or please others at the expense of being true to oneself
• Acting in a way that aligns with your values and beliefs
• Speaking honestly and truthfully, even if it's uncomfortable
• Admitting mistakes and taking responsibility for your actions
• Being consistent in behavior and attitude across different situations and contexts

Growth and evolution of authentic characters

Here are some ways that your authentic character may grow and evolve over time.

• Developing empathy or understanding for others
• Discovering a hidden strength or talent
• Letting go of negative emotions or grudges
• Finding a sense of purpose or identity
• Changing their beliefs or values
• Facing their fears or taking risks
• Overcoming a personal flaw or weakness
• Learning to trust others or themselves
• Forgiving themselves or others for past mistakes

Stereotypes of authentic characters to avoid

Try to avoid writing stereotypical authentic character like these examples.

• Avoid making your character a perfect or flawless individual.
• Avoid giving your character a trait simply for the sake of having it, without it being integral to their character or story.
• Avoid making your character's traits inconsistent or unrealistic.
• Avoid making your character's traits too extreme or one-dimensional.
• Avoid relying on stereotypes or generalizations about certain groups of people.
• Avoid making your character's traits offensive or harmful to certain groups of people.

Negatives of being authentic

Here are some potential negatives of being authentic. Note: These are subjective and some might also be seen as positives depending on the context.

• It may be challenging to maintain authenticity in certain social or professional situations where conformity is valued over individual expression.
• Being authentic can sometimes lead to conflict or disagreement with others who may not share your perspective or values.
• Authenticity can also make you vulnerable, as you are revealing your true self and opening yourself up to potential criticism or rejection.
• Being authentic requires self-awareness and introspection, which can be uncomfortable or challenging for some individuals.

Positives of being authentic

Here are some potential positives of being authentic. Note: These are subjective and some might also be seen as negatives depending on the context.

• Builds trust with others
• Attracts like-minded individuals and opportunities
• Helps to establish deeper connections with people
• Boosts confidence and self-esteem
• Facilitates honest and effective communication
• Encourages self-awareness and personal growth
• Fosters a sense of inner peace and fulfillment
• Enhances creativity and originality
• Increases resilience and adaptability

Verbal expressions of authentic characters

Here are some potential expressions used by authentic characters.

• Avoiding clichés or stereotypes in dialogue
• Showing vulnerability and openness
• Using humor and irony to convey one's personality
• Expressing genuine emotions and reactions
• Speaking one's truth without fear of judgment or rejection
• Being honest and transparent in communication
• Admitting one's flaws and imperfections
• Being consistent in words and actions
• Using simple language and avoiding pretense or exaggeration

Relationships of authentic characters

Here are some ways that being authentic could affect your character's relationships.

• They prioritize honesty and openness in their interactions with others, which can create a sense of trust and respect in their relationships.
• They may struggle with relationships that involve manipulation or hidden agendas, as this goes against their values of transparency and openness.
• Authentic people tend to have deeper and more meaningful relationships with others, as they are not afraid to show vulnerability and share their true selves.
• They may struggle with relationships that require them to put on a facade or be someone they are not, as this goes against their core values of authenticity and honesty.
• Authentic people also tend to be good listeners, as they are genuinely interested in getting to know others and understanding their perspectives.
• Authentic people also tend to attract others who share their values and are drawn to their genuine nature.
• Authentic people also tend to be good at setting boundaries and communicating their needs in relationships, as they are in touch with their own emotions and priorities.

Examples from books of characters who are authentic

• Elizabeth Bennet from "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
• Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
• Jay Gatsby from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Katniss Everdeen from "The Hunger Games" trilogy by Suzanne Collins
• Lisbeth Salander from "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson
• Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• Bilbo Baggins from "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Harry Potter from the "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling
• Scout Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee

Writing exercises for writing authentic characters

Here are some writing exercises you might try for learning to write authentic characters.

• Write a scene where your character is faced with a situation that challenges their authenticity. For example, they may be tempted to lie to someone they care about, or they may feel pressured to conform to social norms that go against their values. Explore how your character reacts to this situation and how they ultimately choose to behave.
• Create a character profile that includes details about your character's background, personality, and values. Use this profile as a reference when writing scenes that involve your character's authenticity, and consider how their experiences and beliefs may influence their behavior.
• Write a monologue or internal dialogue from your character's perspective, exploring what authenticity means to them. Do they see it as a core value, or something that they struggle with? How do they view others who are not authentic?
• Use sensory details to show your character's authenticity in action. For example, you might describe how they speak with conviction, or how they maintain eye contact when speaking to others. Think about how their body language, tone of voice, and other nonverbal cues can convey their authenticity.
• Start by researching real people who embody authenticity. Look for interviews, biographies, or other sources of information that can give you insight into how these people behave, speak, and interact with others.